2025 Audi Q7 vs 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2025 Audi Q7 showcased a refined exterior with a new front fascia, featuring standard Matrix-design LED headlamps and stylish daytime running lights. The front spoiler and rear diffuser were subtly tweaked, and the grille sported vertical inlays within its octagon frame, contributing to a more cohesive look. Customization options allowed buyers to choose different finishes for the front bumper, door trim, and rear diffuser, with the Black Optic package adding black accents and Anthracite Gray Audi rings. A unique laser-etched badging on the B-pillar added a touch of exclusivity. The Q7 was available in eight colors, including the new Sakhir Gold, with three wheel options in 20- or 21-inch diameters. Inside, updates were minimal, with new wood and carbon trim inlays but limited interior color choices. The interior featured stacked infotainment screens and extensive HVAC vents, though the piano black finish was prone to fingerprints.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid offered distinct designs across its trims, with the PHEV available in the Rugged Woodland and three Sport grades, including the exclusive GR Sport. The RAV4 maintained its footprint but added buffer bumpers for increased length. Its boxy design, reminiscent of Toyota's other SUVs, featured square wheel arches and bulging fenders. The Woodland trim emphasized off-road capability with a wide front fascia, solid panels replacing fog lights, and chunky all-terrain tires. The Sport trims, particularly the GR Sport, showcased racier elements like red brake calipers, a big rear wing, and a wide mesh grille. The charge port location varied by trim, and the interior offered mild differentiation with accents like red stitching on the GR Sport. All trims featured a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen, with a wide center console housing a mechanical gear shifter and drive mode knobs.

The 2025 Audi Q7 offered two engine choices for the Premium and Premium Plus trims: a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine producing 261 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.0-liter turbo V6 with 335 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The top Prestige trim came exclusively with the larger engine, delivering smooth power through an eight-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. While Comfort mode prioritized efficiency, Dynamic mode aimed for sportiness but fell short in steering feedback and transmission responsiveness. The Q7 excelled in handling, thanks to available all-wheel steering, with minimal body roll in tight turns. Drive modes included Individual, All Road, and Off Road, though the latter required modifications for rough terrain. The EPA rated the Q7 with the 55 TFSI engine at 18 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined, slightly less efficient than competitors.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured an updated 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine with 186 horsepower, paired with a larger 22.7-kwh battery pack and efficient silicon carbide semiconductors. This setup increased the estimated electric range to 52 miles for the SE and XSE models. The RAV4 PHEV boasted 324 horsepower, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date, with standard all-wheel drive. In EV mode, it excelled in quiet cruising but plateaued at 30 mph. Auto mode combined the engine and motors for a 0-60 mph time in the low five seconds. Hybrid and Charge modes offered flexibility for battery management. The GR Sport trim, with its lower stance and performance tires, provided enhanced handling, while the XSE model exhibited more body roll. The RAV4 PHEV's seamless power transition and strengthened chassis contributed to a spirited yet comfortable ride.

The 2025 Audi Q7 featured heated eight-way power-adjustable front seats with four-way lumbar support, with the Prestige trim adding a Bang & Olufsen stereo system, 360-degree camera, and ventilated and massaging front seats. The Executive package included four-zone climate control and heated rear seats. The Q7's third row was best suited for children, with limited legroom for adults. Cargo space measured 14.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 35.7 and 69.6 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded, falling short of rivals. Small storage was limited, with a shallow center console and door pockets.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid's base SE trim offered a power driver's seat, heated front seats, and five USB ports. The XSE grade extended power adjustments to the passenger seat, with SofTex upholstery standard on all but the SE. The interior featured clever storage solutions, including a dashboard shelf and a center console with a removable cover. The RAV4 accommodated four passengers comfortably, with 37.8 inches of rear legroom. Cargo space was 33.6 cubic feet, expanding to 63.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The PHEV's cargo area was slightly smaller than the standard RAV4 due to the battery pack.

The 2025 Audi Q7's Multi Media Interface (MMI) infotainment system featured a 10.1-inch center screen and a smaller screen for HVAC controls, along with a configurable digital gauge cluster. The menu structure was user-friendly, but the screen required a firm touch. Audi's navigation system, powered by Google Maps, was a highlight, with satellite view available on the gauge cluster. The Audi App Store offered third-party downloads, and the myAudi app allowed customization with themed wallpapers. Online navigation and traffic light information were included for three years, with a six-month Wi-Fi trial.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen system, with a larger 12.9-inch screen on top trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the touchscreen featured customizable tiles and a quick menu. Toyota's new operating system, Arene, improved responsiveness, and the Voice Assistant handled a range of commands. The system included a built-in dash cam and a feature to locate chargers along routes. The climate controls were integrated into the touchscreen, with physical temperature buttons and a volume knob.

The 2025 Audi Q7 came equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems, including blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. It could park itself in parallel and perpendicular spaces, though the tech was less smooth than competitors. The Q7's lane-centering was inconsistent, and it lacked automatic lane-changing capabilities. The NHTSA awarded the Q7 five stars overall, with four stars for front crash and rollover. The IIHS had not yet rated the 2025 model but gave the 2024 model top marks in crashworthiness.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, with enhanced camera and radar detection. The suite included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitors. A safe-exit alert and enhanced rearview camera were also standard. The surround-view camera system was available on all but the base SE. The RAV4's safety record was strong, with the NHTSA rating the 2025 model five stars overall. Crash-testing for the 2026 model was pending.